In her 30 years as a volunteer Carole Francis has helped more than 300 children, but now she is stepping down from her role.

Eastern Daily Press: Carole Francis has retuired by the Choruses with Mum group at Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough. Photo: Joan HockingCarole Francis has retuired by the Choruses with Mum group at Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough. Photo: Joan Hocking (Image: Archant)

A member of the Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough, she has retired from her voluntary role running Choruses with Mum, a Christian children and parents' worship play group.

The occasion was marked with a celebration service at the church with more than 50 of the children, young adults and parents who have attended the weekly gatherings.

During the service, she was presented with some flowers and a memory book with comments from all those attending the service.

Eastern Daily Press: Carole Francis has retuired by the Choruses with Mum group at Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough. Photo: Joan HockingCarole Francis has retuired by the Choruses with Mum group at Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough. Photo: Joan Hocking (Image: Archant)

Julie Burke, founder member with Carole Francis, said: 'It is tremendous that Carole has continued to run Choruses with Mum for 30 years.

'We started the group together in my lounge back in 1988 when we both had young children. It was always a lovely group to be a part of and Carole quickly put her mark on the activities introducing lots of music and musical instruments and also theatrical pieces to tell stories from the bible. We had lots of fun and laughter practising puppet shows too'

In 1994 Ms Burke moved to France leaving Ms Francis to run the group on her own. Rather than stopping the group she put in extra effort to keep it going.

Eastern Daily Press: Carole Francis has retuired by the Choruses with Mum group at Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough. Photo: Joan HockingCarole Francis has retuired by the Choruses with Mum group at Carleton Rode All Saints Church, near Attleborough. Photo: Joan Hocking (Image: Archant)

Ms Burke added: 'That is how she is, very dedicated and committed to her Christian beliefs. She could see the need for young children and their parents to be reached out to by the church.

'She developed the group over the years and it became a place of support for young parents going through all the problems that having to raise a young family brings, especially if there are no close family members living nearby.'

Reverend John Madinda said: 'We thank Carole for the work she has done over the 30 years for young people of the parish and surrounding areas and now I ask that if anyone is interested in carrying on the good work that Carole started they contact me.'

• Anyone interested in helping run the group contact Rev Madinda on 01953 789240.